the 2nd one is beautiful and the colors are bright - just the way I like; but still the first photo stole my eheart with its soft tones and the small patch of blue that just conquors my heart.
The 2 photos even though they depict the same subject are sooo different to me. they tell a different story.
It is exactly as you described.
This is why yesterday I wrote that each photo moment is unique...
The first one is my favourite also.